Martens en Van Oord Wins Brunsbüttel Fifth Lock Chamber Contract

Martens en Van Oord has won the contract for the construction of fifth lock chamber at Brunsbüttel, Germany, which includes the earthworks, dredging, coastal and bank protection works on the project.

The customer, ARGE Neubau 5. Schleusenkammer Brunsbüttel, which formed by three BAM operating companies, has final responsibility for the entire construction of the fifth lock chamber.

“Our work will begin in 2016 and is expected to be completed in 2021,” Martens en Van Oord said.

The entire project includes the construction of a 360-meter sea lock between the Elbe and the Kiel Canal, and the modification of the entrance to the lock approach on the Elbe side.

The construction of the fifth lock is essential for the essential renovation of the century-old lock complex at Brunsbüttel. It will also provide smooth shipping on the busy Kiel Canal.

“Our earthworks, dredging, coastal and bank protection work focus on the lock approach, the preparations for the construction of the fifth lock chamber and the transport and processing of excavated soil,” the company stated.

For the development of the new lock approach, Martens en Van Oord will start by removing the existing bank defenses. Afterwards, the lock approach will be dredged and the company will construct new bank defenses.

“Then we will turn our attention to the earthworks and dredging work required for the construction of the fifth lock, with dimensions of 360 x 45 x 16 meters. For the construction of the lock gates, we will excavate down to a depth of 25 meters, including preparations for the pouring of underwater concrete.”

Finally, the contract covers the transport and processing of all soil excavated during the work from the lock approach and the construction of the lock chamber.